Heartbreak in Charlotte: Family Seeks Justice for Slain Lyft Driver

Heartbreak in Charlotte: Family Seeks Justice for Slain Lyft Driver

In the bustling city of Charlotte, a family is grappling with unimaginable grief after the tragic loss of their beloved son. Carlos Leiva, a 25-year-old Lyft driver, was fatally shot on Wednesday, leading to a devastating turn of events that has left his loved ones heartbroken and searching for answers.

The ordeal unfolded around 3:30 p.m. when Carlos had just begun his shift behind the wheel. According to police reports, Carlos was shot while driving his vehicle along the 1100 block of Oaklawn Avenue. Tragically, after being wounded, Carlos’s SUV crashed and caught fire, creating a horrific scene that is now burned into the memories of those who witnessed it.

A Loving Brother Remembers

Speaking on behalf of the family, his brother Daniel Davilla shared memories of Carlos that portrayed him as a “great and happy person.” Daniel described the overwhelming pain and confusion they are all experiencing at such an untimely loss. “To see him this way really hurts us completely,” Daniel said, voice filled with emotion.

The family believes Carlos may have been targeted for being vulnerable, especially because he drove a newer model vehicle. Daniel suspects that someone may have attempted to carjack him, saying, “Knowing my brother and that the Tahoe was my mom’s and how protective he was of my mom, he wasn’t gonna give that up.”

According to Daniel, it was likely that, in a desperate attempt to escape the situation, Carlos pulled into a nearby dead-end street. Sadly, it was there the suspect shot him in the chest, leading to the catastrophic crash: “He hit a car which led him to die in front of that car with his foot on the gas,” Daniel recounted. The aftermath was devastating, as the vehicle’s tires started spinning and ignited a fire that ultimately took Carlos’s life.

A Call for Justice

With grief heavy in their hearts, the family is calling for justice and is desperately hoping for a quick arrest of the person responsible for this tragic crime. “We’re all suffering here. We just want closure and we want peace, and we just want justice for him,” Daniel emphasized, highlighting the collective pain they are enduring.

Carlos was not just a driver; he was a graduate of Independence High School, where he not only excelled academically but also shined on the soccer field. The family longs for the days when Carlos’s laughter filled their homes and for the joy he brought into their lives.

Community Urged to Assist

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone who might have information about the incident to step forward. They are asking the community to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Every little bit of information could be instrumental in bringing the person responsible for Carlos’s untimely death to justice.

In these trying times, the family hopes that by sharing their story, they can not only honor their brother’s memory but also prevent such a tragedy from happening to anyone else. Carlos Leiva was a bright light in his family, and his sudden loss has created a shadow that is difficult to comprehend. The family wants to remind everyone: “He was just such a great guy.”

As we reflect on this heartbreaking event, let us all come together as a community to support Carlos’s family and advocate for justice in the hope that something good can come from their pain.